NBA: Top Preseason Rookies

Preseason
is what it is. Win and losses really do not matter. However,
preseason games do give the masses a chance to see the first glance of
the stars of tomorrow. Here's a look at some of the rookies who have
performed well thus far during the league's version of a dress
rehearsal.

Greg Oden, Portland Trail Blazers

It took a year longer than most fans had hoped,
but Oden has finally taken the NBA hardwood. The big-man from Ohio
State hasn't disappointed, either. His physical size alone has made
him a factor. This much is clear so far: If my man gets near the rim,
he's going to try and rip it off. Defensively, he's also going to
block a heck of a lot of shots this season, too. Just think what Oden
will be capable of when he gets into "game shape." He will be a factor
for the Blazers this season. When he gets a fully refined offensive
game a couple of years down the road, he may evolve into the best
big-man in the game.

Derrick Rose, Chicago Bulls

Yes, Rose looked nervous early during his first
action in his hometown of Chicago last week and turned the ball over a
few too many times. Of course, it would have helped if his teammates
had caught a pass or two. This kid is a big, strong point guard who
will be able to get into the lane whenever he wants to. He looks a lot
like Deron Williams out on the floor but with better springs. Chicago
won't regret taking Rose. This kid has a chance to be a factor for the
Bulls for the next decade-plus.

Michael Beasley, Miami HEAT

Everyone knew the Beazer could play, and he's
done just that during the preseason. His ability to score inside and
out will help him be effective right out of the gate. He's the kind of
kid who can score 20 points without even trying. When he's focused,
he's shown the ability to be very good on the boards, as well. Miami
has been bringing Beasley off the bench so far this preseason, but it
will be hard to keep him out of the starting lineup if he continues to
score the basketball like he has been. If he commits to defending and
keeps his head right, Beasley has the chance to be special.

O.J. Mayo, Memphis Grizzlies

There's something about this kid that just
screams professional. He's already started taking on a leadership role
and is fiercely competitive. His outside jumper has been questioned by
some, but given his work-ethic one would have to believe it's only a
matter of time until he becomes a legitimate deep threat from behind
the NBA three-point line. And just for the record, Mayo hit six
three-point shots in a game on Monday night and is shooting over 36%
from beyond the arc in the preseason. At just 6-foot-4, there will be
nights where Mayo will get taken advantage of on the defensive end by
some of the league's bigger shooting guards. However, he'll become a
more crafty defender over time as he gains more experience. Mayo no
doubt has All-Star potential.

Kevin Love, Minnesota Timberwolves

No, Love hasn't been the most athletic or
physically talented rookie this preseason. However, he has been solid
and smart. There will be moments this season like the one in last
Friday's preseason game in Denver where he gets embarrassed by athletic
veterans like Kenyon Martin. There will also be moments where he
throws a great pass from the high-post down to Jefferson in the
low-post or where he stretches the defense with his outside shooting
ability that leave Wolves' fans optimistic about what the future might
hold. His ability to position rebound and throw quick pinpoint outlet
passes might not make the highlight reel, but these skills will
certainly benefit his team.

Robin Lopez, Phoenix Suns

This is probably not the Lopez many readers were
expecting to see on this list, but his defense and hustle have raised
eyebrows in the preseason. His brother Brook may have a more refined
offensive game, but Robin's energy has been hard to ignore. He's
relentless on the offensive glass and a deceptive shot-blocker on the
other end. He likely won't ever be a superstar, but he'll be just the
kind of hard-nosed energy player every championship-caliber team has to
have.

Rudy Fernandez, Portland Trail Blazers

Okay, so Fernandez got injured early in the
preseason. But what we saw left us yearning for more. The first thing
fans are likely going to do when watching this kid play is check to
make sure they didn't accidentally hit the fast-forward button on their
Tivo remote; dude is in a perpetual state of motion on the court. His
high basketball IQ combined with his flare for the dramatic will make
him an instant fan favorite in the Rose City. This guy has a chance to
be the next major international superstar in the Association.

Russell Westbrook, Oklahoma City Thunder

Westbrook was a somewhat risky pick by GM Sam
Presti. Like Rose, Westbrook has had his ups and downs this
preseason. Such is life in the NBA as a rookie point guard. However,
his physical prowess and defensive effort and instincts have to excite
the Oklahoma City faithful. And don't take it from your friendly
neighborhood columnist, either. Check out what former UCLA teammate
Kevin Love told HOOPSWORLD about Westbrook after getting a chance to
compete against him in the preseason. "He looked great the other
night. I'm not just saying that because that's my boy, either. His
change of direction, how fast he was, the way he can run the point and
how he passed the other day... he looked great. The one question-mark
about him has been his shooting, but I've seen him shoot at practice.
If he can shoot when the lights come on as well as he does in practice,
he's going to be a star player."